Taking 1-2 dB after the clipping stage with limiter?

[fixitinthemix]

I want to smooth out my master taking just 1-2 dB with a limiter. But I can't get any results with the transients sounding snappy enough. After limiting I use 1-2 dB clipping on the top transients as the last stage. Is it better to do it the other way around? First clip the transients, then put on the limiter which wont have to deal with the transients ****ing it up?

From what I understand this resembles the analog way of doing it for some ME who clip their ADs and then smooth with limiter just a touch.

(any comments about music not needing limiting/compression/clipping can please be made in other threads dedicated to that topic)

[aivoryuk]

what limiter do use or have access to?

[fixitinthemix]

I know this is relevant and I'm afraid I only have access to the waves L2 L3 and pro-tools own. Tried the massey but I didn't really think it was any better. are there any free/cheap ones for Pro Tools you had in mind? what do you think about the original question?

[aivoryuk]

if you are only limiting 1-2 then the waves l2 should really be fine. However maybe maybe you should checkout elephant or ozone both which are popular. Or for free gclip. me i'm generally a clip then slightly limit but whatever works really

[fixitinthemix]

the elephant is only on vst AU right? What would the settings be on L2?

ARC on.. or off and a release around?

[aivoryuk]

elephant works on windows. As regards to the l2 if you want a smoother sound the arc should be left on. If you use short release times the distortion level is generally increased so it's a trade off. Try experimenting

[fixitinthemix]

But I can't run elephant on windows + pro tools right?

Ever tried splitting the signal after clipping.. then applying 4 dB limiting on one and leave the other alone?

[nasp]

Hey fixitinthemix,

you can find some answers here

The correct way to utilize soft-clipping ITB

some posts actually say whether or not its best to soft clip first

[PatrikT]

Originally Posted by fixitinthemix

I want to smooth out my master taking just 1-2 dB with a limiter. But I can't get any results with the transients sounding snappy enough.

If every thread like this started with the OP posting an audio clip of his achievements so far, there could actually generate some help.

In many cases there are much bigger "problems" than what people want tips about (has completely lock-target focused on).

Just talking about it gives zero input.


I also find the modern health-care of transients EXTREMELY overrated. Have heard several examples where there indeed was transients but the rest of the message sucked arse, so what's the point then...



Best Regards
Patrik

[Herbeck]

Originally Posted by PatrikT

If every thread like this started with the OP posting an audio clip of his achievements so far, there could actually generate some help.

In many cases there are much bigger "problems" than what people want tips about (has completely lock-target focused on).

Just talking about it gives zero input.

thumbsup

I also find the modern health-care of transients EXTREMELY overrated. Have heard several examples where there indeed was transients but the rest of the message sucked arse, so what's the point then...

The modern obsession with loud is the root problem.


All the best

Herbeck

[Silver Sonya]

OP: do not begin a thread by asking not to be lectured. It simply does not work.

- c

[Cheebs Goat]

Originally Posted by fixitinthemix

I want to smooth out my master taking just 1-2 dB with a limiter.

If smoothing is the issue, why not make a smoother mix? What about it is not smooth? How did you decide that a limiter was the best way to fix the smoothness problem?

Maybe the whole reason why clipping/limiting is not working is because the smoothness you seek has nothing to do with either.

[CJ Mastering]

Originally Posted by Cheebs Goat

If smoothing is the issue, why not make a smoother mix? What about it is not smooth? How did you decide that a limiter was the best way to fix the smoothness problem?

Maybe the whole reason why clipping/limiting is not working is because the smoothness you seek has nothing to do with either.

+1
And maybe all your faders are pegged real high and your oversaturating the mix bus.

Cj